Lapão Cave in Chapada Diamantina

For those who enjoy adventure sports, the Lapão Cave in the Chapada Diamantina is the perfect place for abseiling.

The Lapão Cave is 47 metres high, at the mouth of the largest known quartzite cave in Brazil, and with specialised equipment it’s very easy even for beginners.

The metallic sound heard in the Lapão cave reveals its origin. Unlike most of the caves in the Chapada Diamantina, which are made of limestone, Lapão is a quartzite cave rich in iron – hence the noise.

Map of the Chapada Diamantina Trails and Sights

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The Lapão cave is 1,000 metres long and about 10 metres wide, with an exit mouth 60 metres high. It is the second largest quartzite cave in Brazil – the first is the Gruta das Bromélias, in Conceição do Ibitipoca (MG).

Despite being made of quartzite, which is harder and more resistant to water erosion, Lapão has unusual formations for this type of cave. At some points you can see small stalactites – many of which have already been broken.

While in limestone caves each centimetre of speleothem takes an average of 33 years to form, in quartzite caves it takes more than 100 years – depending on the intensity of the dripping.

Exploited by prospectors from 1845 to 1871, Lapão was rich in diamonds and carbonate.

In addition to the natural collapse of the walls of the underground water table through which the Lapão river flows, the tunnels and excavations of the prospectors make the attraction even more dangerous.

Most of the stones are loose and you have to be careful not to step on the wrong one. In rainy weather, the walk becomes unfeasible because the river rises quickly and can cause accidents.

Even in the dry season, the force of the Lapão River, which runs inside the cave and is narrow, is frightening. To get out of the cave through the larger mouth, you have to cross it.

You go up the Lapão mountain range and part of the way down can be done on the riverbed – only in the dry season. Among the equipment needed for the visit are a torch, an extra battery and footwear that is firm on the feet.

Video about Lapão Cave in Chapada Diamantina

Gruta do Lapão na Chapada Diamantina

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Mapa Turistico da Chapada Diamantina — Map of the Chapada Diamantina tourist attractions

1. Main Features of Lapão Cave

The Lapão Cave, located in the Chapada Diamantina, is one of the largest and most impressive quartzite caves in Brazil. It stands out for its unique characteristics and its scenic and tourist value.

1. Geological formation

The Lapão Cave is formed from quartzite, a resistant metamorphic rock. Unlike limestone caves, which are more common and feature speleothems, quartzite gives the cave a rustic and imposing appearance, with more irregular and solid walls.
It has been moulded by water erosion over thousands of years.

2. Size and Extent

It is considered one of the largest quartzite caves in Brazil.
It is approximately 1 kilometre long, with wide halls and narrow passages that challenge visitors.

3. Internal Waterfall

During the rainy season, a temporary waterfall forms at the entrance to the cave, creating an even more incredible visual spectacle.
The water that flows down from the rocks collects in small natural pools.

4. Visuals and adventure

The cave is known for its contrasts of light and shadow. The entrance allows natural light to shine in, creating impressive effects inside.
The site attracts abseiling and climbing enthusiasts, as its walls offer excellent conditions for these activities, with descents of up to 50 metres.

5. Local Ecosystem

The area around the cave is rich in vegetation typical of the caatinga and cerrado. The fauna includes insects, bats and small animals that inhabit the cave.